The “Indian” supply chain architecture

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to present a set of critical factors for total quality management (TQM) and supply chain management (SCM) practices through an extensive literature review; and, second, to identify the relationships among them by comparing the identified TQM and SCM practices in order to explore the concept of supply chain quality management (SCQM). Design/methodology/approach To meet the goals of this work, a review of published quality research papers was carried out. For this, the authors identified papers on TQM and SCM practices and observed how these practices improve the business performance of organizations. Further, on the basis of identified practices, a conceptual model of SCQM was developed. Findings The results presented a set of six critical factors each for TQM and SCM practices. Further, it was found that management support and commitment, customer focus, information and supplier partnership are the most common practices found in both TQM and SCM practices. The integration of TQM and SCM (SCQM) throughout the supply chain has the strongest impact on the organizational performance. Research limitations/implications The study used data from various research papers of reputed journals which considered the study of India’s manufacturing industry as well as other countries, which may not provide a clear picture. However, this can be overcome by applying the findings of this paper to collect data from Indian manufacturing industry in future studies. Practical implications Indian manufacturing industry can improve its competitive image through the synergy of TQM and SCM. The result of this paper will help in providing a greater understanding of identified TQM and SCM practices that will lead to the successful implementation of TQM and SCM strategies to enhance business performance in terms of the improved levels of customer service. Originality/value Much of the attention is given on TQM and SCM practices, and very few studies have been undertaken to integrate TQM and SCM practices. But as far as the authors know, there is no study undertaken to integrate TQM and SCM practices in India for the manufacturing class. Therefore, this study compares TQM and SCM practices and considers their integration and can be thus treated as filling a gap in the extant literature. Therefore, the findings of this review paper will contribute in future research.

The Company should collaborate with supply chain members to support business process activities and increase competitiveness. Company collaboration with suppliers is essential in supporting the adoption of supply chain practices and total quality management to pursue product innovation and enhance business performance. This study investigates the role of supplier-buyer relationships in enhancing business performance through supply chain management practice, total quality management, and product innovation. The research surveyed 150 companies implementing total quality management with ISO certification in East Java. Data processing employs partial least squares using SmartPLS software version 4.0. The research found that supplier-buyer relationships positively and significantly influence supply chain practice by 0.800, total quality management by 0.438, and product innovation by 0.293. The company's ability to implement supply chain practices positively affects total quality management by 0.443, product innovation by 0.206, and business performance by 0.263. Total quality management adopted by manufacturing companies by obtaining ISO certification has an impact on increasing product innovation by 0.412 and business performance by 0.276. The company's ability to build a supply chain strategy to produce innovative products affects business performance by 0.446. The research results contribute practically to managers who build coordination with supply chain members, especially purchasing and marketing managers, to be able to read the capabilities and advantages of external partners to be communicated internally in the company—theoretical contribution in enriching supply chain strategy theory in increasing competitiveness.

Supply chain management survey of Swedish manufacturing firms

Strong evidence exists in literature regarding improved organisational performance in economical and environmental front due to adoption of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices. Motivated by this, few bigger Indian mining industries have started adopting GSCM practices with a view not only to improve their performance but also to maintain a steady operation that is free from government and social interruptions. One of the reasons behind poor rate of GSCM adoption in Indian mining industries is lack of sector specific GSCM success criteria. In order to bridge this gap this paper makes a novel approach to establish a validated set of GSCM success activities. This paper further employs fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) to evaluate the priority weights of these success activities which could be helpful for the decision makers in assessing and improving their GSCM effectiveness.

PurposeThis paper presents the concerns in agri-food supply chain. Further the research investigates the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in agri-food supply chain and determines the impact of supply chain management (SCM) practices on firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical framework was proposed for the study on the basis of existing literature. Data for the study was collected with the help of structured questionnaire from 121 executives and officers of the public food distribution agency. Partial least square (PLS)–structured equation modeling was employed to test the framework and hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate that ICT and SCM practices (logistics integration and supplier relationships) have a significant relationship. Furthermore, SCM practices (information sharing, supplier relationship and logistics integration) have a significant and positive impact on performance of the organization.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research could be carried out to test the moderation effect of SCM practices between ICT and organizational performance (OP). Extending the research study to the companies operating in other sectors can enhance the external validity of the study and improve the accuracy of parameters examined.Practical implicationsThis study can be of interest to the agri-food industry as well as other industry practitioners interested in improving the performance of the organization from the view of supply chain.Originality/valueThe outcomes of this study have important implications that translate into a series of recommendations for the management of public food distribution as well as other agri-food-based supply chains.

The present study tries to expand the current body of literature on supply chain integration, by studying the antecedents of logistics integration and firm performance in the context of the downstream petroleum supply chain in India. Data was collected from 348 petrol stations in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, India. Path analysis using structural equation modelling was performed to know the strength of the relationship between the identified variables. The findings show that long-term relationship affects firm performance. Also, information technology positively affects logistics integration, which positively affects firm performance. Based on these findings, the study proposes solutions to the issues being faced in the downstream petroleum supply chain in India. The current research applies past findings on supply chain integration in the context of downstream petroleum supply chains in India and addresses the lack of academic research as well as provides specific courses of actions as implications for the issues of downstream petroleum supply chains in India.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors and most significant reasons leading to supply chain inefficiency with respect to high cost, high lead time and poor quality at wholesale stage of mango supply chain in India, and also to find out the measures which may be taken to improve supply chain efficiency. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for an exploratory study using the quantitative and qualitative method of research. The study was conducted at Asia’s largest and world’s second largest fruits and vegetable wholesale market (Mandi) in Azadpur, Delhi. Factors have been identified using factor analysis and the measures to improve supply chain efficiency in fruits sector have been found out through semi-structured interviews with agri- and food-supply chain experts. Findings Based on the factor analysis, three factors were identified for high cost, namely, operational charges, labour and resources; four factors were identified for high lead time, namely, operational issues, labour, resources and infrastructure; and four factors were identified for poor quality, namely, operational issues, infrastructure, resources and poor ambience. It was also found that operational factor is the most significant factor leading to supply chain inefficiency. The study also highlighted the measures for improving supply chain efficiency based on the outcome of the interviews. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to the wholesale stage of fruit supply chain with the focus on Azadpur Mandi, Delhi, India, with specific reference to mango. Also, the measures have been identified for only the most significant reasons under each factor leading to supply chain inefficiency with respect to cost, time and quality. Originality/value There is a dearth of literature on improving the supply chain efficiency pertaining to the wholesale stage of fruits and vegetable sector in India. This paper tries to fulfil the gap and contributed to the literature on agriculture supply chain, which may be helpful for the researchers as well as the practitioners to improve food supply chain pertaining to developing countries.

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to fill the gaps in previous literature and investigate the link between product launch performance and supply chain architecture and performance. During the past 20 years, most of the new product literature has focused on new product development and product innovation. Only a few product launches have been discussed in specific fields. Design/methodology/approach – From the perspective of the manufacturer, interfunctional coordination, supply chain architecture and supply chain performance affect lean launch performance. Lean launches can also add value to product and marketing performance. A questionnaire was used to gather data from project, account and purchasing managers in the high-tech industry and to test the postulated research model and hypotheses. The conceptual model was tested using 242 usable questionnaires. Findings – The results provide evidence that interfunctional coordination is the basis for improving supply chain architecture. The supply chain has a strong, positive effect on lean launch performance. Lean launch is vital to the successful performance of a new product. Although lean launch execution and supply chain performance affect marketing performance and new product performance, the direct effect on marketing performance is non-significant. Originality/value – This study presents the characteristics of the supply chain architecture specific to the high-tech industry. The authors empirically tested and propose a model to explain how high-tech manufacturers build a solid supply chain and leverage the capabilities of suppliers to improve lean launch execution and new product performance.

This paper reviews the institutional reforms in agricultural commodity markets in India and examines their implications for spatial efficiency in supply chains of the markets. In order to remove inefficiencies in the traditional supply chain, the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act was revised, and a Model APMC Act 2003 was introduced with the provisions for establishing private markets/yards, direct purchase centres, farmers markets for direct sale, contract farming and promotion of public–private partnership in the management and development of agricultural markets. Initiative has been taken to set up a National Agricultural Market as an all-India electronic trading portal to develop a ‘common national market’ for agricultural commodities. The institutional reforms in agricultural marketing system since the early 1990s appear to have contributed towards improving the spatial efficiency in rice and wheat markets. The finding of an increase in the extent of spatial integration of markets after the reforms and the tendency of the prices to move towards a common stochastic trend lend support to the idea of setting up a ‘common national market’ for agricultural commodities. Further reforms in the marketing system with better infrastructure facilities would strengthen market integration and improve efficiency in the supply chains. JEL classification: O13, Q13, Q18.

Purpose This study aims to investigate the two-way relationship between information and communication digital technologies (ICDT) and supply chain management (SCM). It addresses current gaps in understanding how digital technologies not only support but are also shaped by SCM practices. A conceptual framework [SCM information technology (SCMIT)] is introduced to align technological innovation with supply chain processes. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review of 705 peer-reviewed articles (1993–2024) was conducted using Scopus and PRISMA protocols. Bibliometric analysis and thematic clustering (via the Louvain algorithm) were used to identify key trends, technologies and research gaps in the field. Findings The study highlights the role of technologies such as blockchain, IoT and artificial intelligence (AI) in improving supply chain visibility, agility and resilience. However, it also identifies persistent barriers, including workforce skills, regulatory misalignment and limited integration of emerging tools. The SCMIT framework offers a structured view of how ICDT technologies can be integrated across supply chain layers to support strategic and operational goals. Research limitations/implications This review contributes a comprehensive framework (SCMIT) for analyzing the mutual relationship between ICDT and SCM. It draws attention to underexplored areas, such as human–AI collaboration and the need for empirical research linking technological adoption with supply chain performance in real-world settings. Practical implications The study recommends actionable strategies for practitioners, including prioritizing workforce development, investing in interoperable systems and aligning digital transformation efforts with sustainability objectives. SCMIT serves as a guide for organizations to improve decision-making and risk mitigation through targeted technology use. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research provides one of the first structured efforts to model the dual influence of digital technologies and SCM practices. It supports both researchers and managers by offering insight into how emerging technologies can be strategically leveraged to improve supply chain performance and adaptability.

Present study explore common supply chain management practices (SCMPs) and investigate how these practices facilitate the development of supply chain capabilities. The study adopts an exploratory case study approach with the content analysis of the data collected through semi-structured interviews, followed by site visits to 14 Australian manufacturing firms. The findings show six common SCMPs in the case study firms. Findings also demonstrate how these practices promote and further develop inter-organisational and intra-organisational integration, coordination for increased responsiveness and delivering valued services to customers in supply chain. The practices explored can be used as a supply chain framework for the manufacturing industry which can provide an effective tool for developing increased responsiveness in the supply chain through capabilities of integration, coordination and valued services delivery. Moreover, this study for the first time explores how supply chain capabilities emerge from SCMPs and how do both differ.

This study examines the impact of supply chain management (SCM) practices on organizational performance within Mugher and Dangote Cement Factory, aiming to identify key factors that contribute to Supply Chain Performance Effectiveness in the cement industry. For this study, 385 questionnaires were distributed to staff members in the Supply Chain Management Department, Projects Team, Engineering Department, Finance Department, and other staff members as well as suppliers to the Mugher and Dangote cement factories. Simple random sampling techniques were used. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative data from a survey of 296 respondents and qualitative insights from interviews with industry professionals. Multiple linear regressions and correlational analysis were used to determine the link between the study variables. The findings reveal that effective SCM practices, particularly <i>human resource training</i>, <i>supplier-buyer relationships</i>, and <i>information sharing</i>, significantly enhance supply chain efficiency and overall organizational performance. While strengths were identified in customer orientation and procurement processes, notable weaknesses in training sustainability and distribution channels were also highlighted. Correlation and regression analyses confirmed that improved SCM practices correlate positively with performance metrics, suggesting that strategic focus in these areas can yield substantial competitive benefits. The study concludes that by addressing existing weaknesses and leveraging strengths, Mugher and Dangote Cement Factory can enhance its operational effectiveness and maintain a strong position in the market. Future research directions are proposed to further explore the dynamics of SCM in the cement industry and beyond.

Supply chain management practices are always helpful for multinational enterprises in increasing their growth. However, there has always remained an open debate about which practices are helpful for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, this study has examined the influence of supply chain management practices on the performance of SMEs. Moreover, it has examined how the moderation of supply chain ecocentricity and innovation capabilities strengthens or weakens the relationship between supply chain management practices and SMEs’ performance. The quantitative study involved 352 SME managers as they can provide the relevant information and possess complete knowledge of management practices. The data were gathered via a questionnaire, and the responses were analyzed using IBM SPSS 28 and IBM AMOS. The results show that SMEs’ performance is linked to supply chain management practices (β = 0.544; P < .001), and this linkage is further strengthened by supply chain ecocentricity (R2 change = 0. 082***, F-Statistics = 47.18) and innovation capabilities (R2 change = 0.061***, F-Statistics = 39.74). SMEs can enhance their performance by efficiently incorporating supply chain management practices and developing innovation capabilities and supply chain ecocentricity. AcknowledgmentsThis study is funded by Al Hussein Bin Talal University, Ma’an, Jordan, No. 125/2023.

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of knowledge management capability (KMC) on supply chain management practices (SCMPs), organizational learning (OL) and organizational performance (OP) in the Malaysian logistics industry.Design/methodology/approachThe data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire from the management team in the logistics companies. A total of 412 questionnaires were collected out of which 183 responses were included in the data analysis. This represents a response rate of 44.4%. The respondents were those with managerial and/or supervisory experience where their job title or functions included Managers, Head of the Department, Owners, Chief Executive Officer, Senior Executive Officer and at the very least, Assistant Manager or Supervisors. To investigate the correlations between all the elements (e.g. KMC, OL, SCMPs and OP), this study used different analysis techniques including correlation analysis, reliability and validity test, as well as a structural model.FindingsThe results indicated that KMC is strongly correlated and has a positive impact on SCMPs in addition to being positively correlated to OL and OP. Also, OL is positively related to OP and SCMPs.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this research contribute to the growing body of literature linking KMC with SCMPs, OL and OP.Practical implicationsThe findings provide insight on the importance of knowledge management and OL toward improving SCMPs within organizations. Therefore, the findings are useful for shedding light upon formulating strategies for SCMPs among the decision-makers that will ultimately enhance the overall OP.Originality/valueThis study meaningfully contributes to enhancing the understanding of the state of affairs of the impact of management capability on SCMPs, OL and OP in the logistics industry. Practitioners may formulate strategies to further improve the study presented here for a better implementation of knowledge management and SCMPs within their organizations.

Evaluating critical causal factors for post-harvest losses (PHL) in the fruit and vegetables supply chain in India using the DEMATEL approach